The concept of 'Green Building' is grabbing the headlines across the globe. The United Nations is also pressing the building and construction sector around the world to adopt green practices. The UN endorsement has popularized the concept of green buildings in the industrial as well as residential sectors. Highlighting the importance of this concept, a 2008 research study showed that residential areas of the UK account for more than 30% of the carbon emission in the country. So, it is definitely time for a transition towards environmentally friendly practices. Renovating an entire home for energy efficiency requires a significant budget if it were to be done all at once. However, things can be improved by adopting a modest start and then continuing the progress step by step.

The Benefits

The concept of greener living has seen thousands of followers across the globe adopt at least some change in their life due to the numerous benefits associated with being green. The following factors are useful to consider:

• Energy efficiency: Energy conservation is a key reason for the growing popularity of greener living. Of course there are alternatives to mains electricity – solar and wind turbine power come to mind. At the other end of the scale, if you are fitting a new kitchen, you can choose from the modern and more efficient kitchen appliances. Low temperature washes, power efficient fridges and freezers and so on. Not using an appliance is also an option. Weather permitting, there is the washing line instead of the tumble dryer. Even the lighting in the kitchen can be made more efficient through the use of newer low energy bulbs.

• Water efficiency: This requires a smart approach towards the reuse of water that gets wasted in different kitchen activities. For example, the water used for washing up can be re-used for watering plants after a filtration process (providing your plants don't object to the detergent).

• Waste management: There is quite a lot to do here to help the environment and minimise the amount going into a land fill. Your local council may be recycling more than just plastic bags. In some areas they accept almost all plastic packaging, including shampoo bottles and the like. With paper, metal and plastic taken care of, the next step is to recycle food waste. A compost bin in your garden will take raw fruit and vegetables, but it is not advisable to use this for meat and cooked food waste. Instead, a separate food processing bin, similar to a composter, can be used. This is partially buried in the garden and has an air trap to prevent smells attracting scavenging animals. This specialist product can be used to recycle all food waste. There are even containers available to hygienically store a small amount of food waste in the kitchen for a couple of days until the next visit to the garden.

• Cleaning products: Have you considered the products you use in the kitchen (and the rest of the home). Are there greener products available? Concentrated products and refill packs cut down on transport costs and can also reduce the carbon footprint of the products themselves. Lighter product packaging means less fuel used during distribution to the supermarkets.

If you looking to replace your kitchen and are viewing kitchen designs, why not consider making your lifestyle more green at the same time? A new kitchen might be just the thing to kick start your new greener way of life, or at least begin the process of becoming more environmentally friendly. You will not only help to make the Earth a better place to live, by reducing your energy needs you may also be able to save a significant amount of money from household energy expenses. Additionally when considering where to buy kitchens, why not choose a local or regional organisation. This will save on fuel and help to minimise your kitchen's carbon footprint too.

This modern way of life doesn't mean you can't still choose from traditional kitchens. They can be just as efficient as a sleek stylish in the latest fashion.